From: Congressional Investigation into the Pearl Harbor Attack, Pt. 18
(Exhibits of the Joint Committee), pp. 2945-2946.
ON THE DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST THE UNITED STATES AND GREAT BRITAIN
MEETING OF PRIVY COUNCIL DEC. 8, 1941
Written by Matsumoto-Head of Treaty Bureau
In the 11th item of Article of the Internal Orders decided upon at the
time the Reorganization of the Privy Council in December 1938, was
included a section on "The Declaration of War." It was unclear whether
this gave the Privy Council the right to advise the decision to engage
in war, or just the authority for advising the formal declaration of
war. However, when war was declared against the United States and Great
Britain, the decision to engage in war had already been made at the
previous conference of Dec. 1, 1941, so the Privy Council was only to
consider an address to the throne stating "We declare war against the
United States and Great Britain." A draft of an Imperial Rescript
declaring war was attached to the Address to the Throne for advisement.
(The address to the Throne and the draft of the Imperial Rescript were
drawn up by the Cabinet.)
Meeting of Committee of Advisement
Dec. 8-7:40 A. M.
(12:40 P. M., 7 Dec., Pearl Harbor time.)
In the Imperial Palace
Tozo Room
Those Present
All members of the Advisory Council [Komonkan]
All Cabinet ministers (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Togo, was
absent, because he was holding interviews with the United States and
British Ambassadors).
Head of the Legal Bureau-Moriyama
Foreign Affairs Officials:
Yamamoto, Head of the American Bureau
Sakamoto, Head of the Europe-Asia Bureau
Matsumoto, Head of the Treaty Bureau
Army Officials:
Muto, Head of Military Affairs Bureau
Navy Officials:
Muto, Head of Military Affairs Bureau
First, the Navy Minister reported on the military action against
American and British Troops which had been in progress since this
morning in the Malayan, Hong Kong and Hawaiian areas.
1st President of the Council-I propose that a Committee of Advisement
headed by the Vice-President of the Council, and constituted of all the
members of the Advisory Council, meet immediately and consider this
matter.
Premier Tojo-explained the reasons for declaring war.
Advisor Ishii-At what time will war be declared? It is necessary to make
sure that America and Britain don't saddle us with the responsibility.
Premier-We hope for an immediate declaration.
[2]
Advisor Kubota-A state of war already exists, but what is the viewpoint
of the Imperial Headquarters.
Premier-At the conference of Dec. 1 they determined to commence
hostilities against England, America, and the Netherlands.
Advisor Shimizu-What is the attitude of Thailand?
Premier-It is not yet clear, but negotiations are in progress for a
policy Mutual Defense.
Advisor Shimizu-Aren't we going to declare war on Holland?
Premier-We are not declaring war against Holland because of military
expediency.
Advisor Minami-What is Germany's attitude?
Premier-German entrance into the war in our support is almost certain
and negotiations to that effect are now in progress.
Advisor Nara-What is the attitude of the Soviet Union?
Premier-The attitude of the Soviet Union is one of circumspection.
Advisors Sugawara and Fukai submitted questions on the expenditure of
war funds, matters of material, etc., which were answered by the
Minister of Finance and the Premier.
Advisor Sutakami-Is it the question of whether or not we should declare
war that you want us to consider? I mean, has an Imperial Rescript
already been issued on the beginning of the war?
Premier-Yes.
(Foreign Minister Togo enters and takes his place.)
Advisors Futakami and (?Ikeda?) pointed out that the use of the word
"America," [BEIKOKU] in the suggested draft of the Imperial Rescript
which had been appended for advisement, might be misunderstood to apply
to all Americas, and recommended a revision, but the Premier and the
Head of Treaty Bureau explained that no such misunderstanding was
possible.
Last of all, Foreign Affairs Minister Togo reported on the diplomatic
situation which had preceded the commencement of war.
[3]
The documents under discussion were approved by a unanimous vote.
Full session, 10 A. M. Dec 8. Imperial Palace, Higashidame Room
His Imperial Majesty was present.
The rest of the attendance was the same as at the meeting of the
Committee of Advisement.
Committee President Suzuki presented his advisement report which was
unanimously approved.